Asset apparency method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for making as asset apparent. An individual wishing to locate an asset uses an apparatus to enter an identification code corresponding to the asset. The identification code is transmitted in a request to the asset, where it is processed to determine how to make the asset apparent. The asset then makes itself apparent to the individual, typically by audio or visual means.

BACKGROUND

I. Field

The embodiments described herein pertain generally to the field of assetmanagement and more particularly to methods and apparatus for having anasset make itself apparent to one attempting to locate the asset.

II. Description of the Related Art

Asset management is an important part of many businesses today. Assetsmay include, for example, earth moving equipment, tractor trailers,construction equipment, railroad train cars and engines, cargocontainers, and rental equipment of all shapes and sizes. Assetmanagement is particularly important in instances where assets are movedin the typical course of business or in cases where assets themselvesare mobile. For example, in the equipment rental industry, equipment isusually rented to individuals or companies for use away from a rentalequipment yard.

Part of a good asset management system should include the ability tolocate an asset among a group of similar assets or to locate an assetwithin a given geographic area. Such a capability would make it easy forworkers to locate, for example, a particular backhoe among a group ofsimilar backhoes for maintenance purposes. Or a foreman on a jobsite mayneed to locate a particular earth mover because it needs to be returnedto a rental company.

What is needed, therefore, is a method and apparatus for locating assetsquickly and easily.

SUMMARY

The requirements for locating an asset quickly and easily are realizedby various embodiments of the invention described herein. In oneembodiment, an apparatus for making an asset apparent to an individualcomprises a receiver for receiving a request from a wirelesscommunication system for having the asset make itself apparent andproviding the request to a processor. The processor receives the requestand generates a command to make the asset apparent. Finally, theapparatus comprises an interface for providing the command to a deviceon the asset, the device for making the asset apparent to theindividual.

In another embodiment, a wireless communication device for making anasset apparent to an individual comprises an input for allowing theindividual to enter an identification code corresponding to the asset, aprocessor for receiving the input and generating a request to make theasset apparent, the request including the identification code. Finally,the apparatus comprises a transmitter for transmitting the request tothe asset.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for making an asset apparent to anindividual comprises a receiver for receiving a request directly from awireless communication device for having the asset make itself apparentand providing the request to a processor. The processor receives therequest, determines how to make the asset apparent; and generates acommand to make the asset apparent. Finally, the apparatus comprises aninterface for providing the command to a device on the asset, the devicefor making the asset apparent to the individual.

In yet another embodiment, a computer readable storage medium tangiblyembodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by adigital processing apparatus is used to perform a method for making anasset apparent, the method comprising operations of receiving anidentification code corresponding to said asset, generating a request tomake the asset apparent, and transmitting the request directly to theasset corresponding to said identification code.

In yet still another embodiment, a computer readable storage mediumtangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executableby a digital processing apparatus is used to perform a method for makingan asset apparent, the method comprising operations of receiving anidentification code corresponding to said asset, generating a request tomake said asset apparent, and transmitting the request to the assetcorresponding to the identification code over a wireless communicationnetwork.

In yet another embodiment, a computer readable storage medium tangiblyembodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by adigital processing apparatus is used to perform a method for making anasset apparent, the method comprising operations of receiving a requestfrom a wireless communication system for having the asset make itselfapparent, generating a command to make the asset apparent, and providingthe command to a device on the asset, the device for making the assetapparent to the individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and the attendant advantages of the embodimentsdescribed herein will become more readily apparent by reference to thefollowing detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system in which the variousembodiments described herein are used;

FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wirelesscommunication device used in the communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of an apparatus for makingan asset apparent;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method formaking an asset apparent using the wireless communication device of FIG.2; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method formaking an asset apparatus using the apparatus of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description describes methods and apparatus formaking as asset apparent to an individual. The embodiments describedherein can be used in a number of industries, such as the equipmentrental industry, the construction industry, the shipping andtransportation industry, the warehouse industry, and others. It shouldalso be understood that the embodiments described herein can be used tolocate a wide variety of assets, including vehicles, trailers,construction equipment, cargo containers, and so on.

FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system comprising a wirelesscommunication device (WCD) 100, a wireless communication system 102, acentral processing facility (CPF) 104, and an asset 106. An individualuses WCD 100 to make asset 106 apparent to the individual, typically byaudio or visual means. Generally, the individual enters anidentification code corresponding to asset 106 into WCD 100, then WCD100 transmits a request, including the identification code, to asset 106either directly or through wireless communication system 102. In oneembodiment, the request may be forwarded to CPF 104 before being sent toasset 106, where the request is authenticated and/or otherwiseprocessed. When asset 106 receives the request, it may process therequest in a number of different ways, which is discussed in more detailbelow. Ultimately, asset 106 makes itself apparent to the individual byperforming one or more actions, such as by illuminating one or morelights connected to asset 106, by sounding an audible alert, or bymoving a mechanical portion, or all of, asset 106.

In one embodiment, WCD FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram ofone embodiment of WCD 100. It should be understood that not all of theelements shown in FIG. 2 are required in every possible embodiment formaking asset 106 apparent. It should also be understood that theelements shown in FIG. 2 could reside in virtually any type of wirelessdevice having transmission capabilities, such as a cellular or satellitetelephone, a two-way pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA) havingwireless capabilities, a portable computer having wireless capabilities,or a device dedicated solely for making asset 106 apparent.

Processor 204 sends and receives information from transceiver 200.Processor 304 typically comprises an electronic digital computingdevice, such as any of the 80×86 processors from Intel Corporation ofSanta Clara, Calif. Processor 308 could alternatively comprise a numberof discreet electronic components, a custom ASIC, or other digitalprocessing apparatus known in the art.

Memory 208 comprises one or more electronic memory components, such asROM, RAM, EEPROM, flash memory, or the like, for storing informationpertinent for having asset 106 making itself apparent. For example,memory 208 may store executable computer instructions (i.e., a computerprogram) for use by processor 204, for transmitting apparency apparentrequests and/or for determining which type of apparency action to betaken by asset 106. Memory 208 may be considered a computer readablestorage medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readableinstructions executable by a digital processing apparatus (i.e.,processor 204) to perform a method for making asset 106 apparent. Such aprogram may comprise, for example, a program operating within a cellphone environment, such as the popular Binary Run-Time. Environment(BREW®) operating system by QUALCOMM or the JAVA run-time environment bySun Microsystems.

100 communicates directly with asset 106, using one of a number of knownwireless communication techniques, such as frequency modulation (FM),amplitude modulation (AM), high speed digital communication techniquesunder the well-known 802.11 standard (commonly known as Wi-Fi) and otherdigital communication techniques, Infra-red (IR) communicationtechnology, and others. Transceiver 200 is used to transmit informationto asset 106 using one of these techniques.

An individual wishing to make asset 106 apparent generally begins byentering an identification code corresponding to asset 106 into WCD 100by using input device 202. Input device 202 typically comprises akeypad, microphone, or other input device that is electronically coupledto processor 204. The identification code comprises any alpha-numericsequence (including numbers only or letters only) which uniquelyidentifies asset 106, or a group of similar assets to asset 106, such asa serial number of asset 106 or a predetermined alpha-numeric codeissued by an entity associated with asset 106 (such as the owner ofasset 106 or the individual associated with WCD 100).

Processor 204 receives the identification code and generates a requestto make asset 106 apparent. The request, in this embodiment, simplydirects asset 106 to take whatever action that is available to asset 106to make itself apparent. The request is then provided to transceiver200, where it is transmitted directly to asset 106. The identificationcode provided by processor 204 is used to uniquely address theparticular asset 106 desired by the individual using techniqueswell-known in the art. The asset 106, upon receipt of the request, makesitself apparent to the requesting individual as discussed later herein.

In another embodiment, the request comprises a command that dictates howasset 106 is to respond to the request to make itself apparent. Forexample, asset 106 may have the capability to make itself apparent to anindividual by sounding a horn and lighting its headlights. The requestmay then request asset 106 to light its headlights if it is in a darkarea. In this embodiment, the individual uses input device 202 to enterhis or her preferred method of having asset 106 make itself apparent.The resulting request from processor 204 comprises the individual'spreferred method of making asset 106 apparent. In a slight alteration ofthis embodiment, asset 106 may be able to perform multiple ways ofmaking itself apparent, but if the individual fails to specify apreferred method of apparency, a default apparency method is used.Alternatively, rather than using a default method of apparency, asset106 determines which of several alternative methods of apparency mightget the attention of the requesting individual the best, consideringfactors such as the types of apparency mechanisms available to asset106, the amount of light available in the vicinity of asset 106, thedistance that the requesting individual is from asset 106 (in thisembodiment, WCD 100 comprises a position detector 206, such as a GPSreceiver or other circuitry, for determining a location of WCD 100 andthe request comprises at the position of WCD 100 (or, alternatively,information that would allow an entity such as CPF 104 or wirelesscommunication system 102 to determine the position of WCD 100), thebattery capacity available to become apparent, etc.

In yet another embodiment, WCD 100 negotiates a method for apparatus 106to make itself apparent. For example, after an individual requests asset106 to make itself apparent, one of several different actions are takenby WCD 100 and asset 106. In one embodiment, a request is generated byprocessor 204, instructing asset 106 to make itself apparent. Inresponse to receiving the request, asset 106 may transmit a list ofpossible actions back to WCD 100 that asset 106 is capable ofperforming. Processor 204 receives this information, and generallydisplays it to the individual via output device 210. The individual thenchooses which action for asset 106 to take, and indicates his/herselection via input device 202. Processor 204 receives the individual'sselection and transmits it to asset 106. Upon receipt of the selection,asset 106 performs the selected action to make itself apparent to theindividual.

In another embodiment, the negotiation between WCD 100 and asset 106comprises the individual first entering a selected action uponrequesting that asset 106 make itself apparent. Processor 204 receivesthe request and the selected action and generates a request which isprovided to transceiver 200 and ultimately asset 106. Asset 106 receivesthe request and the selected action and compares the selected action toa list of possible actions stored in a memory within asset 106. If amatch is found, asset 106 performs the requested action. If a match isnot found, asset 106 transmits a message back to WCD 100 informing WCD100 that the selected action is not possible. In this embodiment, asset106 could additionally provide information indication of what kind ofaction(s) it is capable of, in order for the individual to select one ofthese actions. Such actions are received by processor 204 and providedto the individual via output device 210. The individual would thenselect one of the actions provided by asset 106, which would then beprovided to processor 204. Processor 204 then generates a message whichis transmitted to asset 106. Asset 106 receives the message comprisingthe selected action, and performs it accordingly.

WCD 100 may, additionally or alternatively to the methods describedabove, communicate with asset 106 through in intermediary, such aswireless communication system 102 and/or central processing facility104. In this embodiment, WCD 100 is likely to comprise a cellulartelephone, wireless PDA, two-way pager, or some other device that hasfunctionality other than communicating with asset 106.

In one embodiment, WCD 100 communicates through wireless communicationsystem 102 to asset 106. Wireless communication system 102 comprisesvirtually any type of wireless communication network, such as a cellularor PCS network, an AMPS network, a satellite communication network, awireless digital network such as CDPD, a paging network, etc. Any of theembodiments discussed above can be used with this arrangement, i.e., WCD100 and asset 106 communicating through wireless communication system102.

In another embodiment, central processing facility 104 is used toauthenticate WCD 100 and/or the individual operating WCD 100 and/or tootherwise process apparency requests as well as responses from WCD 106.For instance, in one embodiment, an individual enters an identificationcode into WCD 100 identifying asset 106 that is to be located. Processor204 receives the request and the identification code and sends a requestto CPF 104 to make asset 106 apparent. The request generally comprisesthe identification code corresponding to asset 106. CPF 104 receives therequest and identification code and may initially authenticate WCD 100and/or the individual operating WCD 100. This may be accomplished byidentifying a particular code corresponding to WCD 100, such as anelectronic serial number (ESN) or mobile identification number (MIN), orit may be accomplished by examining a code supplied by the requestingindividual, such as a username and password, a social security number,or other alpha-numeric code which gives the individual permission tomake asset apparency requests, and comparing the code to a list ofpermissible codes stored at CPF 104. If a match is found, the requestfrom WCD 100 is allowed to progress. If a match is not found, CPF 104may transmit a message to WCD 100 informing the individual that therequest failed.

Alternatively, or in addition, to the authentication process justdescribed, CPF 104 may provide a centralized location to processrequests from WCD 100 and responses from asset 106. For example, CPF 104typically comprises a database which stores information pertinent to alarge number of assets 106, including similar and dissimilar assets. Thetypes of information stored in the database can include such things asthe location of each asset or the last known location of each asset, anasset capability or capabilities for becoming apparent, a presentcondition of an asset (for example, battery low, battery fully charged,ignition on or off, etc), an identification code corresponding to eachasset, an authorization code for each asset, a present rental conditionof the asset (i.e., currently rented or not currently rented), orcontact information for the owner, renter, or other entity associatedwith the asset. Of course, other types of information associated witheach asset could be stored as well.

When a request to make asset 106 become apparent is received by CPF 104,an authentication process may take place as described above. If theauthentication is successful, the request may, in one embodiment, simplybe forwarded to asset 106, either through wireless communication system102 or through an alternate communication system 108, such as any of thecommunication methods described above with respect to wirelesscommunication system 102. Asset 106 may initiate a predefined action,such as illuminating one or more lights associated with asset 106. Inanother embodiment, asset 106 and WCD 100 negotiate which type of actionto take to make asset 106 apparent to the requesting individual.Communications between asset 106 and WCD 100 in this embodiment mayoccur directly through wireless communication system 102 or thecommunications may be routed through CPF 104.

In an embodiment where the request from WCD 100 comprises a selectedapparency action, the selected action may be compared to actions thatasset 106 is capable of performing. Such capability or capabilities maybe stored in the database associated with CPF 104. If asset 106 iscapable of performing the selected action, a message is transmitted toasset 106 requesting that asset 106 initiate the selected action. Themessage may be routed through wireless communication system 102 orthrough alternative communication system 108. If asset 106 is not ableto perform the requested apparency action, a message may be transmittedback to WCD 100, informing it of this information. The individualassociated with WCD 100 may then attempt to have asset 106 make itselfapparent by selecting a different apparency action, and transmittingthis second request to CPF 104. The second selected apparency action isagain compared to the information in the database to determine if asset106 is able to perform the second selected action, and so on.

FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of an apparatus 300 formaking a an asset 106 apparent. Apparatus 300 is typically installedonto an asset for making the asset apparent when requested to do so. Forexample, apparatus 300 may be installed onto a vehicle, a cargocontainer, a piece of rental equipment or construction equipment, and soon.

Apparatus 300 comprises at least transceiver 302, processor 304,interface 306 and memory 308. Optionally, input/output (I/O) 310 isincluded as well. Transceiver 302 is used to receive apparency requestsand for transmitting information to a requesting WCD 100. Transceiver302 may comprise any type of wireless communication transceiver, such asRF, cellular, satellite, digital, or other wireless communicationdevice. The term “transceiver”, as used herein, refers generally to botha transmitter and a receiver.

Processor 304 sends and receives information from transceiver 302.Processor 304 typically comprises an electronic digital computingdevice, such as any of the 80×86 processors from Intel Corporation ofSanta Clara, Calif. Processor 308 could alternatively comprise a numberof discreet electronic components, a custom ASIC, or other digitalprocessing apparatus known in the art.

Memory 308 comprises one or more electronic memory components, such asROM, RAM, EEPROM, flash memory, or the like, for storing informationpertinent for having asset 106 making itself apparent. Memory 308 may beconsidered a computer readable storage medium tangibly embodyingexecutable computer instructions (i.e., a computer program) for use byprocessor 304, for responding to apparency requests from WCD 100 and forinitiating one or more apparency actions based on received requests.

Interface 306 comprises an electronic pathway, or port, for sending andreceiving information to and from asset 106. For example, interface 306could comprise an RS-232 or similar serial port, a connector, an RF,infra-red, BlueTooth, or WI-FI transceiver, or simply wiring that isconnected to various electronic signal sources located on or withinasset 106. Interface 306 routes electronic control signals fromprocessor 304 to one or more devices as part of asset 106, such aselectronic control circuitry that controls pumps, motors, lights, audioequipment (such as a horn), and other attention-getting devices as partof asset 106.

I/O 310 generally comprises a keypad and display for allowing anindividual to enter information into asset 300 and for information to bedisplayed to an individual. However, I/O 310 could alternativelycomprise a communication port for receiving a portable computer from anindividual wishing to communicate with asset 106.

In one embodiment, transceiver 302 receives an message directly from WCD100, requesting that asset 106 make itself apparent. In this embodiment,transceiver 302 receives an apparency request and provides the requestto processor 304. In one embodiment, processor 304 determines what typeof apparency action to perform. For example, if asset 106 is capable ofperforming multiple apparency actions, such as illuminating one or morelights or sounding an audible alert, processor 304 decides which ofthese two apparency actions to implement. In an embodiment where WCD 100provides its location along with the apparency request, processor 304may determine how far away WCD 100 is from asset 106 using positionsensor 312. Position sensor 312 typically comprises a GPS receiver, orthe like, for determining a location of asset 106. Processor 304compares the location of WCD 100 to the location of asset 106, anddetermines a relative distance between the two. If the relative distanceis less than a predetermined distance, processor 304 may send a commandthrough interface 306 instructing asset 106 to sound an audible alert,such as sounding a horn located on asset 106. If the relative distancebetween WCD 100 and asset 106 is greater than the predetermineddistance, then processor 304 may alternatively send a command throughinterface 306 to illuminate one or more lights located on asset 106.

In another example, processor 304 may determine the time of day todetermine which apparency action to perform. Processor 304 may determinethe current time by receiving information from a discreet timer, such astimer 314, from a timing signal provided by position sensor 312, or byany other means known in the art. If processor 304 determines that thecurrent time coincides with daylight hours, for example if the currenttime is between 7 am and 5 pm, processor 304 may choose to sound anaudible alert, rather than illuminating lights, to make asset 106apparent. Similarly, if the current time falls within night time hours,processor 304 may choose to illuminate one or more lights, rather thansound an audible alert, for making asset 106 apparent.

Processor 304 may take other factors into consideration for choosingwhich apparency apparency action to perform. For example, processor 304may receive information pertaining to asset 106 through interface 306,such as a condition of an on-board battery (i.e., fully charged, lowcharge, etc), the position of a mechanical feature of asset 106 (such asthe position of a bulldozer blade, a position of a fork belonging to aforklift, etc), and other types of input. If, for example, the batterycondition is low, processor 304 may choose to make asset 106 apparentusing the least amount of energy possible. The most energy efficientmethod of making asset 106 apparent could be predetermined and storedwithin memory 308.

Finally, processor 304 may decide which method of asset apparency toperform based on a combination of the just-discussed possibilities.

In another embodiment, rather than unilaterally deciding which apparencyaction to perform, processor 304 may transmit a list of potentialapparency actions back to WCD 100 upon receipt of an apparency request.The individual associated with WCD 100 would then choose which action isdesired to make asset 106 apparent. The individual enters the selectedaction into WCD 100 using input device 202, then processor 204 generatesa message which includes the selected apparency action. The message isthen transmitted directly to WCD 100 using transceiver 200. Apparatus300 receives the message via transceiver 302 and provides the message toprocessor 304. Processor 304 then sends a command through interface 306,instructing asset 106 to perform the selected apparency action

The above embodiments may be accomplished by indirect communication withWCD 100, rather than communicating directly with WCD 100. For example,communications between WCD 100 and apparatus 306 could be accomplishedby using wireless communication system 102, alternative communicationsystem 108, or a combination of these or other communication systems.

After asset 106 makes itself apparent, the requesting individual willpresumably find the asset. In this case, the individual may use I/O 310to inform apparatus 300 that the requesting individual has located asset106. This may be accomplished by the individual entering a predeterminedcode, such as the identification code corresponding to asset 106, ormore simply by, for example, pressing any key of a keypad comprising I/O310. In another embodiment, interface 306 is connected to a devicelocated as part of asset 106, such as an ignition switch, motiondetector, position sensor 312, or some other device which signifies thatthe asset is being operated, presumably by the individual, and thereforethat the individual has located asset 106.

Whether the individual explicitly informs apparatus 300 of a successfulasset location by using I/O device 310 or implicitly by operating asset106, processor 304 receives this information and, in one embodiment,cancels the apparency action by sending a command through interface 306,instructing asset 106 to discontinue the apparency action. In anotherembodiment, processor 304, alternatively or in addition to canceling theapparency, generates a message for transmission to CPF 104, informingCPF 104 that the requesting individual has located asset 106. CPF 104may then update its database to reflect the date, time, location, and anidentification of WCD 100 and/or the requesting individual (or anidentification code associated with the requesting individual), or acombination of these items.

If the requesting individual does not locate asset 106 within apredetermined amount of time, various actions may be taken. Thepredetermined amount of time is generally related to a reasonable amountof time for an individual to locate asset 106 from the time that theindividual requests asset 106 to make itself apparent, although the timeperiod could be based on other things. The elapsed time from when theindividual requested that asset 106 make itself apparent may be measuredby WCD 100, CPF 104, or by apparatus 300. This elapsed time is comparedto the predetermined amount of time to determine if the predeterminedamount of time has been exceeded.

If the elapsed time is measured by WCD 100, an indication that theindividual has located asset 106 may be received by transceiver 200 (asexplained above) or it may be indicated by the individual entering acode or other indication into WCD 100 using input device 202. Receipt ofsuch a signal stops the elapsed time from incrementing and generallymeans that the predetermined amount of time has not been exceeded. In anembodiment where the individual informs WCD 100 that he or she haslocated asset 106 by using input device 202, processor 204 generates amessage indicating that this has occurred. The message is thentransmitted to apparatus 300. If the elapsed time exceeds thepredetermined amount of time without an indication that the individualhas located asset 106, a message is generated by processor 204 andtransmitted to apparatus 300.

If the elapsed time is measured by CPF 104, a signal from apparatus 300or WCD 100 is received to indicate that the individual has located asset106, if that is the case. Again, receipt of such a signal stops theelapsed time from incrementing and generally means that thepredetermined amount of time has not been exceeded. CPF 104 then updatesits database to reflect that this has occurred. If the elapsed timeexceeds the predetermined amount of time without an indication that theindividual has located asset 106, a message is generated by CPF 104 andtransmitted to apparatus 300, informing asset 300 that the elapsed timehas exceeded the predetermined amount of time, indicating that theindividual has not yet located asset 106.

If the elapsed time is measured by apparatus 300, a signal from WCD 100,CPF 104, or directly though I/O 310 or interface 306 is received toindicate that the individual has located asset 106, if that is the case.Once again, receipt of such a signal stops the elapsed time fromincrementing and generally means that the predetermined amount of timehas not been exceeded. If the elapsed time exceeds the predeterminedamount of time without an indication that the individual has locatedasset 106, processor 304 may take one or more actions, as explainedbelow.

If apparatus 300 receives a signal or message indicated that theindividual has not located asset 106 by the time the predeterminedamount of time has expired, processor 304 may initiate a secondapparency action different than the original apparency action.Alternatively, or in addition, processor 304 may generate a message fortransmission to CPF 104 indicating that the individual has not locatedasset 106, and may further send a command through interface 306 whichcancels the original apparency action. It should be understood that theoriginal action may be cancelled while the second apparency action is inprogress.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method formaking an asset apparent, using WCD 100. This flow diagram alsocomprises optional steps that are used in alternative embodiments. Theseoptional steps are shown as dashed lines in FIG. 4.

In step 400, a user of WCD 100 enters a request into WCD 100 to makeasset 106 apparent. This request is generally followed by the step ofentering an identification code corresponding to asset 106 into WCD 100,shown as step 402.

In step 404, WCD 100 optionally determines its position for embodimentswhere the position of WCD 100 is used to determine the type of apparencyaction to be taken, or in embodiments where the location of WCD 100 isrecorded for informational purposes.

In step 406, WCD 100 optionally determines the current time of day. Thetime of day is used in embodiments where WCD 100 determines which typeof apparency action asset 106 should perform based on whether thecurrent time indicates daylight or darkness.

In step 408, the individual operating WCD 100 optionally enters aselected method of asset apparency into WCD 100. This step is performedin embodiments where the individual determines which type of action forasset 106 to take, or it is performed in embodiments where the apparencyaction is negotiated between asset 106 and WCD 100.

In step 410, processor 204 generates a request to make asset 106apparent. The request may comprise an instruction to make asset 106apparent, the identification code supplied in step 402, the currentlocation of WCD 100 as determined in step 404, the current time of dayas determined in step 406, a selected method of asset apparency asdetermined in step 408, or any combination of the aforementioned items.

In step 412, the request to make asset 106 apparent is transmitted,either directly to asset 106, through wireless communication system 102,through CPF 104, through alternative communication system 108, or acombination of these paths.

In response to receiving the request to make asset 106 apparent,apparatus 300 initiates one or more commands to asset 106 to make asset106 apparent to the requesting individual. In one embodiment, once theindividual has located asset 106, a confirmation of such finding isentered directly into WCD 100, as shown in step 414. In response toreceiving the confirmation, processor 204 generates a confirmationmessage, as shown in step 416. The confirmation message generally alertsinterested parties, such as asset 106, CPF 104, or other entities, thatthe individual has located asset 106. In step 418, the confirmationmessage is transmitted to the interested parties.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method formaking asset 106 apparent, using apparatus 300. This flow diagram alsocomprises optional steps that are used in alternative embodiments. Theseoptional steps are shown as dashed lines in FIG. 5.

In step 500, apparatus 300 receives a request to make asset 106apparent, either directly from WCD 100, through wireless communicationsystem 102, through CPF 104, through alternative communication system108, or a combination of these paths.

In step 502, processor 304 unilaterally determines which type ofapparency action to perform, in an embodiment where the apparencyrequest does not specify which type of apparency action to perform.Processor 304 may use the current time of day, a location of WCD 100, alocation of asset 106, a condition of one or more parameters of asset106 (such as battery charge, the position of one or more mechanicalfeatures of asset 106, etc.), or a combination of these factors indetermining which type of apparency action to perform.

In step 504, processor 304 determines which type of apparency action toperform, in an embodiment where the apparency request does not specifywhich type of apparency action to perform and where asset 106 is onlycapable of performing a single type of apparency action. For example,asset 106 may only have external lights, and no other means for makingitself apparent to a requesting individual.

In step 506, a negotiation is performed between apparatus 300 and eitherWCD 100, or CPF 104, as the case may be, in embodiments where anegotiated apparency action is possible. The negotiation process isdescribed in detail above.

In step 508, processor 304 receives a selected apparency action in theapparency request, in an embodiment where the requesting individualchooses a selected apparency action for asset 106 to perform.

Regardless of which embodiment is used to select the apparencyaction(s), in step 510, processor 304 sends a command through interface306, instructing asset 106 to perform the selected apparency action(s).

In step 512, processor 304 optionally determines whether the requestingindividual has located asset 106 within a predetermined amount of time.If the requesting individual has located asset 106 within thepredetermined amount of time, one or more actions may be taken byapparatus 300, such as canceling the apparency action(s), transmitting amessage to CPF 104 indicating a successful location, or transmitting asimilar message to WCD 100. This is shown as step 514.

If the requesting individual has not located asset 106 within thepredetermined amount of time, apparatus 300 may take one or moreactions, such as sending a message to WCD 100 asking it to re-confirmthe original request for asset apparency, sending a message to CPF 104informing it that the requesting individual has not located asset 106,or instructing asset 106 to perform a second type of apparency action.

The previous description of the preferred embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make and use the presentinvention. The various modifications to these embodiments will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use ofthe inventive faculty. Thus, the present invention is not intended to belimited to the embodiments discussed herein, but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosedherein.

1. An apparatus for making an asset apparent to an individual,comprising: a receiver for receiving a request from a wirelesscommunication system for having the asset make itself apparent andproviding the request to a processor, wherein the asset comprisesequipment; the processor for receiving the request, wherein theprocessor generates a list of available apparency actions in response toreceiving the request; a transmitter for transmitting the list ofavailable apparency actions to a remote entity, wherein the receiverreceives a second request for making the asset apparent, the secondrequest comprising a selected apparency action from the list ofavailable apparency actions; the processor for receiving the secondrequest and for generating a command to make the asset apparent based onthe selected apparency action; and an interface for providing thecommand to a device on the asset, the device for making the assetapparent to the individual in response to the command.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the device comprises illumination circuitry.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the device comprises audio controlcircuitry.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a timer forproviding an elapsed time to said processor, said processor fordetermining whether the asset was located prior to expiration of apredetermined amount of time for locating the asset.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein said processor generates a message indicative ofwhether the asset was located prior to expiration of the predeterminedamount of time, wherein said apparatus further comprises a transmitterfor transmitting the message to a remote entity.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising: a timer for determining the current time ofday and providing the current time of day to the processor; and saidprocessor for using the current time of day for determining a way inwhich to make the asset apparent.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a position sensor for determining a location of the asset,wherein said request comprises a location of an individual requestingthat the asset make itself apparent, and said processor is further forusing the location of the asset and the location of the individual fordetermining a way in which to make the asset apparent.
 8. An apparatusfor making an asset apparent to an individual, comprising: a receiverfor receiving a request directly from a wireless communication devicefor having the asset make itself apparent and providing the request to aprocessor, wherein the asset comprises equipment; the processor forreceiving the request and for determining how to make the assetapparent, wherein the processor generates a list of available apparencyactions in response to receiving the request; a transmitter fortransmitting the list of available apparency actions to a remote entity,wherein the receiver receives a second request for making the assetapparent, the second request comprising a selected apparency action fromthe list of available apparency actions; the processor for receiving thesecond request and for generating a command to make the asset apparentbased on the selected apparency action; and an interface for providingthe command to a device on the asset, the device for making the assetapparent to the individual in response to the command.
 9. The apparatusof claim 8, wherein the device comprises illumination circuitry.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the device comprises audio controlcircuitry.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a timer forproviding an elapsed time to said processor, said processor fordetermining whether the asset was located prior to expiration of apredetermined amount of time for locating the asset.
 12. The apparatusof claim 11, wherein said processor generates a message indicative ofwhether the asset was located prior to expiration of the predeterminedamount of time, wherein said apparatus further comprises a transmitterfor transmitting the message to a remote entity.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 8 further comprising: a timer for determining the current time ofday and providing the current time of day to the processor; and saidprocessor for using the current time of day for determining a way inwhich to make the asset apparent.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8 furthercomprising: a position sensor for determining a location of the asset,wherein said request comprises a location of an individual requestingthat the asset make itself apparent, and said processor is further forusing the location of the asset and the location of the individual fordetermining a way in which to make the asset apparent.
 15. A computerreadable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readableinstructions executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform amethod for making an asset apparent, said method comprising operationsof: receiving a request from a wireless communication system for havingthe asset make itself apparent, wherein the asset comprises equipment;generating a list of available apparency actions in response toreceiving the request; transmitting the list of available apparencyactions to a remote entity; receiving a second request for making theasset apparent, the second request comprising a selected apparencyaction from the list of available apparency actions; generating acommand to make the asset apparent, the command comprising the selectedapparency action; and providing the command to a device on the asset,the device for making the asset apparent to the individual in responseto the command.
 16. The computer readable storage medium of claim 15further comprising operations of: determining an elapsed time since therequest was received; and determining whether the asset was locatedprior to expiration of a predetermined amount of time.
 17. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 15 further comprising operations of:determining an elapsed time since the request was generated; anddetermining whether the asset was located prior to expiration of apredetermined amount of time.
 18. The computer readable storage mediumof claim 17 further comprising operations of: generating a messageindicative of whether the asset was located prior to expiration of thepredetermined amount of time; and transmitting the message to a remoteentity.
 19. The computer readable storage medium of claim 15 furthercomprising operations of: determining the current time of day; anddetermining how to make said asset apparent using said current time ofday.
 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein saidrequest comprises a location of an individual requesting that the assetmake itself apparent, further comprising operations of: determining alocation of the asset; and using the location of the asset and thelocation of the individual for determining a way in which to make theasset apparent.
 21. A method for making an asset apparent, comprising:receiving a request from a wireless communication system for having theasset make itself apparent, wherein the asset comprises equipment;generating a list of available apparency actions in response toreceiving the request; transmitting the list of available apparencyactions to a remote entity; receiving a second request for making theasset apparent, the second request comprising a selected apparencyaction from the list of available apparency actions; generating acommand to make the asset apparent, the command comprising the selectedapparency action; and providing the command to a device on the asset,the device for making the asset apparent to the individual in responseto the command.
 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising:determining an elapsed time since the request was received; anddetermining whether the asset was located prior to expiration of apredetermined amount of time.
 23. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising: determining an elapsed time since the request was generated;and determining whether the asset was located prior to expiration of apredetermined amount of time.
 24. The method of claim 23 furthercomprising: generating a message indicative of whether the asset waslocated prior to expiration of the predetermined amount of time; andtransmitting the message to a remote entity.
 25. The method of claim 21further comprising: determining the current time of day; and determininghow to make said asset apparent using said current time of day.
 26. Themethod of claim 21, wherein said request comprises a location of anindividual requesting that the asset make itself apparent, and furthercomprising: determining a location of the asset; and using the locationof the asset and the location of the individual for determining a way inwhich to make the asset apparent.
 27. An apparatus for making an assetapparent to an individual, comprising: means for receiving a requestfrom a wireless communication system to have the asset make itselfapparent, wherein the asset comprises equipment; means for generating alist of available apparency actions in response to receiving therequest; means for transmitting the list of available apparency actionsto a remote entity; means for receiving a second request for making theasset apparent, the second request comprising a selected apparencyaction from the list of available apparency actions; means forgenerating a command to make the asset apparent, the command comprisingthe selected apparency action; and means for providing the command to adevice on the asset, the device for making the asset apparent to theindividual in response to the command.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27further comprising: means for determining an elapsed time since therequest was received; and means for determining whether the asset waslocated prior to expiration of a predetermined amount of time.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 27 further comprising: means for determining anelapsed time since the request was generated; and means for determiningwhether the asset was located prior to expiration of a predeterminedamount of time.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29 further comprising: meansfor generating a message indicative of whether the asset was locatedprior to expiration of the predetermined amount of time; and means fortransmitting the message to a remote entity.
 31. The apparatus of claim27 further comprising: means for determining the current time of day;and means for determining how to make said asset apparent using saidcurrent time of day.
 32. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said requestcomprises a location of an individual requesting that the asset makeitself apparent, and further comprising: means for determining alocation of the asset; and means for using the location of the asset andthe location of the individual for determining a way in which to makethe asset apparent.